Dutee Chand feels people in love shouldn't be afraid, says world always takes time to accept good things - Economic Times

NEW DELHI: As a part of Pride Month celebrations in June, sprinter Dutee Chand joined the US Consul General in Hyderabad, Joel Reifman, on Tuesday for an online interaction to share her experiences of being in a same-sex relationships and facing the society.

The athlete, who revealed last year in May that she was in love with a woman from her village in Odisha, said that people started looking at her 'differently' after her revelation. However, she insisted that it doesn't bother her.

The 24-year-old runner, who is considered as India's fastest woman right now, urged people in same-sex relationships to be courageous and stand firm. "One may fall in love anytime and with anyone. One does not decide that based on caste, religion or gender," she stressed.

Calling Chand a role model and an inspiration to millions, Reifman, in his post, thanked her for sharing the incredible journey. "It’s important to recognise role models who give courage to young people in India and globally," he wrote.

Thank you sir https://t.co/Ld7zsRH0b1

— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) 1593583889000

In May last year, Chand had said that 'coming out of the closet' was better than 'hiding' her personal life from the public.

"My partner supported me every time and I have chosen her for my life. People may look at us differently or call us by any name like gay, lesbian etc. That does not matter so far as we get to spend our lives with each other," she added.

Her family had objected to the relationship and her older sister even threatened to disown her, but Chand has been unruffled, expressing her desire to settle down with the woman.

"For all who are in love but afraid of the world you must show courage because the world has always taken time to accept all good things," she said.

"So please do not be afraid because it is your life and your happiness."

After her public disclosure, Chand became the first Indian woman track and field athlete to clinch a gold in the World University Games by winning the 100m dash in a time of 11.32 seconds.

She is a national record holder in women's 100m with a time of 11.26 seconds. She also won a silver each in 100m and 200m in the 2018 Asian Games.

Love Is Love: Dutee Chand Isn't Alone; Other Sports Stars Who Came Out Of The Closet

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​Leaving The Closet Behind

29 May, 2019

By Anika Ghei The road to acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community has not been one of ease, yet gradual but significant strides are being made towards becoming a more inclusive society. An increasing number of people are now sharing their 'coming out' stories, and are often met with heartwarming reactions. This trend also prevails in India, wherein recently, Dutee Chand, a professional sprinter came out about her same-sex relationship. Being India’s first openly gay athlete, she regarded the ruling on section 377 as an impetus for her to take her relationship forward ;thereby, becoming an icon for India’s LGBT+ population. The current national champion in the women's 100 metres event, Chand remains firm in her resolve to fight for the right to marry the love of her life, and hopes to exact change in a society that is still rife with stigma. However, Dutee's story isn't isolated in its occurrence. The world of sports has seen several athletes who have become an inspiration by publicly reclaiming their sexual identities. In Pic: (clockwise from left) Dutee Chand, Billie Jean King (Instagram), Justin Fashanu (twitter/albionroar).

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Dutee Chand feels people in love shouldn't be afraid, says world always takes time to accept good things - Economic Times
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